U.S. patent application number 11/943997 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-21 for tension strap for migration prevention and patellar stabilization for use with knee braces.
Invention is credited to John Harvey Dean, Michael Alan Spooner.
Application Number | 20090131844 11/943997 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40642731 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090131844 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dean; John Harvey ; et
al. |
May 21, 2009 |
Tension Strap for Migration Prevention and Patellar Stabilization
for Use With Knee Braces
Abstract
A tension strap to be used with any brand of ACL or OA
functional knee bracing. The position, elasticity and versatility
of the strap allow it to be used for patella support and to prevent
vertical migration of the brace. The strap is placed over the
anterior side of the face of the knee joint with the support
buttress lying adjacent to the anterior edge of the patella and the
support straps extended posteriorly to the upper arms and lower
arms of the brace. The support straps are then pulled around the
outside of the upper arms and lower arms of the brace and adhered
back to themselves using hook and loop fastener material.
Additional support tension can be applied to the patella through
the buttress support by increasing tension through the support
straps. The prevention of vertical migration of the knee brace is
also achieved through the use of non-slip lining on the face of the
tension strap that is in contact with the skin covering the knee
joint and patella.
Inventors: |
Dean; John Harvey;
(Birmingham, AL) ; Spooner; Michael Alan;
(Birmingham, AL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRADLEY ARANT BOULT CUMMINGS LLP;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
1819 FIFTH AVENUE NORTH
BIRMINGHAM
AL
35203-2104
US
|
Family ID: |
40642731 |
Appl. No.: |
11/943997 |
Filed: |
November 21, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
602/36 ;
602/26 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 5/0125 20130101;
A61F 2005/0176 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
602/36 ;
602/26 |
International
Class: |
A61F 5/00 20060101
A61F005/00 |
Claims
1. A tension strap for use with a knee brace, said tension strap
comprising: a body having an inner surface and an outer surface; a
plurality of support straps, each of said support straps having a
proximal end in communication with said body and a free distal end;
and means for adjustably securing said tension strap to the knee
brace.
2. The tension strap of claim 1 wherein said body and said support
straps are of a stretchable, elastic material.
3. The tension strap of claim 2 where the material is neoprene.
4. The tension strap of claim 1 wherein said support straps are
formed integral with said body.
5. The tension strap of claim 1 wherein said inner surface is of or
lined with a non-slip material and wherein at least a portion of
said inner surface will be in direct engagement with a portion of
the skin on the anterior side of the knee and patella so as to
provide resistance to vertical migration of the knee brace about
the area of the knee.
6. The tension strap of claim 1 wherein said means for adjustably
securing comprises removably securing said support straps to the
knee brace by looping said distal ends of said support straps
around the knee brace and a means of interengagement of each said
distal end of said support straps with its respective support strap
or said outer surface of said body.
7. The tension strap of claim 6 wherein said interengagement means
comprises hook fastener material positioned on said distal ends of
said support straps and loop fastener material positioned on said
support straps and on said outer surface of said body or loop
fastener material positioned on said distal ends of said support
straps and hook fastener material positioned on said support straps
and on said outer surface of said body.
8. The tension strap of claim 6 wherein said means for adjustably
securing further comprises a loop fastener material disbursed about
said tension straps and a hook fastener material removably
positioned on the knee brace, such that when said distal ends of
said support straps are looped about the knee brace, said hook
fastener material will engage the loop fastener material so as to
control movement of said support straps about the knee brace.
9. The tension strap of claim 1 further comprising a support
buttress member affixed to said body, wherein said support buttress
member is constructed to contact at least a portion of the
circumference of the patella, the support buttress member providing
a supporting directional force to the patella, maintaining proper
tracking of the patella during extension and flexion of the knee
joint or a combination of the foregoing.
10. The tension strap of claim 9 wherein the locations at which
said support straps are secured to the knee brace can be
manipulated such that said support buttress member can be
positioned in a plurality of locations about the patella such that
a plurality of said supporting directional forces can be applied to
the patella by said support buttress member.
11. The tension strap of claim 9 where the support buttress member
is contained within a guide pocket secured to the body.
12. A tension strap for use with a knee brace, said tension strap
comprising: a. a body having an inner surface and an outer surface,
the outer surface comprising a first reversible engaging element on
at least a portion of its surface; b. a plurality of support
straps, each of said support straps having an inner surface, an
outer surface, a proximal end in communication with said body and a
free distal end, the support straps comprising a second reversibly
engaging element complementary to the first reversible engaging
element along at least a portion of the inner surface; c. wherein
the tension strap are reversibly secured to said knee brace by
looping said distal ends of said support straps around the knee
brace such that the first and second reversible engaging elements
engage one another to reversibly secure the tension strap to the
knee brace to prevent vertical migration of the knee brace about
the area of the knee.
13. The tension strap of claim 12 where the second reversible
engaging element is positioned on the distal ends of said support
straps.
14. The tension strap of claim 12 further comprising a support
buttress member affixed to said body, wherein said support buttress
member is constructed to contact at least a portion of the
circumference of the patella, the support buttress member (i)
providing a supporting directional force to the patella, (ii)
maintaining proper tracking of the patella during extension and
flexion of the knee joint, (iii) or a combination of the
foregoing.
15. The tension strap of claim 12 where the first and second
reversible engaging elements are hook and loop fastener
material.
16. The tension strap of claim 12 further comprising a third
reversible engaging element removably positioned on said knee
brace, the third reversible securing element being complementary to
the first reversible engaging element, the second reversible
engaging element or both, the third reversible engaging element
engaging at least one of the first or second reversible engaging
elements to control the movement of the support strap about the
knee brace.
17. The tension strap of claim 16 where the first, second and third
reversible engaging elements are hook and loop fastener material.
Description
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure provides a tension strap for use with
knee braces. The knee joint is one of the human body's most
vulnerable joints to injury in sport, recreation, and physical
labor. The patella femoral joint is a common site of pain and
injury. The etiology of patella femoral pain can be traumatic or
insidious in nature, but it is commonly the result of lateral force
vectors acting on the patella. This lateral force vector can be a
result of medial ligamentous injury (documented in studies and
articles published by Dr. William P. Garth), tight lateral tissue,
or poor biomechanical alignment (increased quadriceps angle,
improper landing strategy, etc.).
[0002] Several patella femoral braces are available on the market
which focus on attempting to control the lateral displacement of
the patella. These braces are specifically designed to control the
tracking in a single plane for the Medial Patella Meniscus Ligament
(MPML). However, the ability to control the MPML and also the
Medial Patella Femoral Ligament (MPFL) is not currently available
in conjunction with multiple instability rigid bracing. The present
invention addresses both these ligament issues.
[0003] Osteoarthritis (OA), Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and
other functional braces are widely used by athletes and other
individuals to protect the knee from injury, decrease stresses to
healing tissue (postoperatively), and to decrease exacerbating
factors with existing injuries. Several manufacturers produce
functional braces designed to protect ligament tissue of the knee
(primarily the ACL, but also the Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)
and the Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)) as well as the articular
cartilage of the knee (OA unloading braces). These braces are
widely used in sports for the reasons mentioned above as well as
for prophylaxis in high velocity/high impact sports (such as, but
not limited to, football) and everyday patients with OA knee pain.
Common mechanisms of injury these braces protect against include
excessive valgus forces (a blow to the lateral knee), rotational
forces (commonly internal rotation of the femur on the fixed
tibia), shearing forces (anterior shear of the tibia on the femur)
and unloading joint compartmental issues. However, these braces are
only effective if the brace is properly aligned on the wearer's leg
and with the patella femoral joint.
[0004] Athletic trainers responsible for keeping these types of
braces on the players during sporting events express frustration
about the constant adjusting of the functional braces on the
athletes during use, and often trainers and athletes resort to such
ad hoc measures as taping the brace to the wearer's leg to keep the
brace from falling down the leg. It is one object of the present
invention to assure that such rigid OA and ACL braces will be in
proper alignment while in use. Athletic trainers and coaches who
have used prototypes of the present device of the disclosure are
enthusiastic about the potential to solve this frustrating
migration problem.
[0005] A related problem results when applying rigid braces to
larger patients. The leg shape often encountered in such patients
is referred to as "upside down cone shaped leg" and results in
rigid braces of common design sliding down the leg during use. This
brace migration can be the result of hinge design not matching
physiologic axis of rotation at the knee; muscle atrophy after
injury, surgery or immobilization; or poor purchase (or fit) of
off-the-shelf functional braces.
[0006] The brace migration introduced by inherent design problems
in the typical rigid brace is exacerbated by the fact that the
rigid brace is supported by contracting, constantly moving muscle
tissue. The present device of the disclosure solves the problem of
brace migration by capturing the patella and skin of the knee and
utilizing the forces that are present throughout flexion and
extension keep the brace system suspended in the desired, proper
alignment with the knee. The brace migration issues associated with
hinge design, muscle atrophy, "upside down cone shape leg" and
constantly moving muscle tissue have been overcome in several
trials of prototypes of the present invention.
[0007] Furthermore, clinical cases often require bracing to address
other instabilities of the knee, such as, but not limited to, both
patella femoral bracing and OA/ACL bracing. This can occur with an
ACL tear or other injury concurrent with patellar
subluxation/dislocation where the mechanism of injury is similar
(valgus/external rotation of the leg). Another common occurrence is
where the patient is performing rehabilitation activities after
knee surgery, such as ACL reconstruction, and develops patella
femoral pain, which is significant because patella femoral pain can
inhibit muscle contraction and result in a difficult, lengthy
rehabilitation process. In such instances of patella subluxation
occurring in conjunction with multiple instabilities of the knee,
it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a tension
strap for use on rigid braces existing on the market today to
simultaneously control patella instability problems and brace
migration issues. Thus, the present disclosure provides a simple,
cost effective mechanism to solve the problems of functional brace
migration and the lack of existing products in the art that
simultaneously address the multiple issues patella and knee
instability while also addressing functional brace migration.
Significant economies to the user are achieved because the device
of the present disclosure can be applied to most any functional
brace on the market without permanent modification to the
functional brace, a fact most useful in situations where only
temporary patella femoral support or anti-migration is needed, such
as postoperative rehabilitation, sporting events, larger leg sizes,
etc.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present disclosure provides a tension strap for use with
knee braces, such as but not limited to, knee braces used for the
pre- and post-injury support of the anterior cruciate ligament
(ACL). The disclosed tension strap provides for at least one of the
following functions: (i) prevention of vertical migration of the
knee brace during use; and (ii) providing support to the patella
(knee cap) which is not normally provided in existing braces. The
disclosed tension strap provides for the prevention of vertical
migration by pulling the hinges of the knee brace in towards the
knee and through the grip provided by contact between the material
of the tension strap and the skin of the user. In addition, the
tension strap provides stabilization of and support to the patella
by applying corrective forces to the patella to ensure proper
patella alignment and dynamic tracking of the patella femoral
joint. In one embodiment, the disclosed tension strap performs both
functions. However, in an alternate embodiment, the tension strap
may provide only one function, such as, but not limited to,
prevention of vertical migration of the knee brace.
[0009] The tension strap of the present disclosure also provides
for increased efficiency in use of the knee brace compared to the
methods known in the art. By providing a mechanism to prevent
vertical migration of the knee brace, the tension strap eliminates
interruptions in physical activity, most notably athletic contests,
practices for those contests and rehabilitation activities, where a
migrating knee brace has to be refitted to proper placement on the
wearer's knee.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIGS. 1a and 1b are, respectively, anterior and posterior
views of one embodiment of the tension strap of the present
disclosure with buttress support member attached in final position
on the knee brace and the knee brace worn on the user's right knee.
While the design of the knee brace worn on the right knee is
different from the design of the knee brace worn on the left knee,
the tension strap is universal in fit for both right knee and left
knee braces.
[0011] FIGS. 2a and 2b are views, respectively of the bottom and
top of one embodiment of the tension strap of the present
disclosure with buttress support member.
[0012] FIGS. 3a and 3b are, respectively, anterior and posterior
views of one embodiment of the tension strap of the present
disclosure with buttress support member prior to final attachment
of the tension strap onto the knee brace (again illustrating a knee
brace worn on the right knee of the user).
[0013] FIGS. 4a and 4b are medial side views of one embodiment of
the tension strap of the present disclosure showing, respectively,
the unlooped and looped medial side support straps (again
illustrating a knee brace worn on the right knee of the user).
[0014] FIGS. 5a and 5b are lateral side views of one embodiment of
the tension strap of the present disclosure with buttress support
member showing, respectively, the unlooped and looped lateral side
support straps (again illustrating a knee brace worn on the right
knee of the user).
[0015] FIGS. 6a and 6b are, respectively, anterior and posterior
views of one embodiment of the tension strap of the present
disclosure without buttress support member attached in final
position on the knee brace (again illustrating a knee brace worn on
the right knee of the user).
[0016] FIGS. 7a and 7b are bottom and top views, respectively, of
one embodiment of the tension strap of the present disclosure
without a buttress support member.
[0017] FIGS. 8a and 8b are, respectively, anterior and posterior
views of one embodiment of the tension strap of the present
disclosure without buttress support member prior to final
attachment of the tension strap onto the knee brace (again
illustrating a knee brace worn on the right knee of the user).
[0018] FIGS. 9a and 9b are lateral side perspective views of one
embodiment of the tension strap of the present disclosure without
buttress support member showing, respectively, the unlooped and
looped lateral side support straps (again illustrating a knee brace
worn on the right knee of the user).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Referring more particularly to the drawings, FIGS. 1 (a
& b) and 6 (a & b) show the tension strap 30 used in
combination with a knee brace 20 worn on the leg 12 of a user. The
knee brace 20 typically includes one or more proximal cuffs 28
engageable with the wearer's leg 12 above the knee 10 and one or
more distal cuffs 29 engageable with the wearer's leg 12 below the
knee 10. The knee brace 20 typically has a pair of hinge assemblies
(26L and 26M) disposed medially (M) and laterally (L) about the
joint of the knee 10. The proximal cuffs 28 of the knee brace 20
are typically connected to the pair of hinge assemblies (26L and
26M) by a pair of upper arms (22L and 22M) generally disposed
medially and laterally about the knee 10 and leg 12. The distal
cuffs 29 of the knee brace 20 are also typically connected to the
pair of hinge assemblies (26L and 26M) by a pair of lower arms (24L
and 24M) also generally disposed medially and laterally about the
knee 10 and leg 12.
[0020] As will be seen in FIGS. 2 (a & b), in one embodiment of
the present invention, the tension strap 30 has three primary
parts: (i) the body 40, all or part of which engages all or part of
the skin on the anterior side of the wearer's knee 10 and patella
14; (ii) a plurality of support straps (50L and 50M) (here shown as
four in number) extending distally from the body 40 which engage
the knee brace 20 at the distal ends 52L and 52M of the support
straps (50L and 50M) in the manner later described; and (iii) a
support buttress member 60 for the patella 14.
[0021] The body 40 is formed of a flexible, elastic material, such
as, but not limited to, neoprene with unbreakable looped backing
(ULP) on the outer surface of the body 40. The inner surface 42 of
the body 40, being that surface of the body 40 that will contact
the skin on the anterior side of the user's knee 10 in the manner
later described, is of a non-slip material, such as, but not
limited to, exposed neoprene or synthetic shark skin.
[0022] The support straps (50L and 50M) are formed of a flexible,
elastic material, such as, but not limited to, neoprene with
unbreakable looped backing (ULP) on both sides of the support
straps (50L and 50M). In one embodiment, the support straps (50L
and 50M) and body 40 are affixed together by sewing, however, one
skilled in the art will understand that the support straps (50L and
50M) and body 40 may be of unitary construction or may be affixed
together by other like means.
[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1a, 2a, 3a and 5a, the buttress support
member 60 has a low elevational profile with an arcuate medial
profile to substantially conform to the dimensions of the lateral
circumference of the patella 14. One skilled in the art will
understand that the buttress support member 60 may also take the
shape of a complete loop, circular or otherwise, such that the
inside dimension of the buttress support member 60 will
substantially conform to the dimensions of the entire circumference
of the patella 14 and that the dimension of the body 40 and support
straps 50 can be modified to accommodate a buttress support member
60 of different shapes. The buttress support member 60 is fashioned
from a firm, flexible material, such as, but not limited to, thick
rubber tubing. The buttress support member 60 is affixed to the
inner surface 42 of the body 40 such that it will contact and
provide support to the patella 14 in the manner later described. In
one embodiment, the buttress support member 60 is encased within a
guide pocket 62 that is arcuately configured with the outer
dimensions of the buttress support member 60 and is secured to the
inner surface 42 of the body 40 as described above). The exterior
surface of the guide pocket 62, being that surface of the guide
pocket 62 that will contact the skin on the anterior side of the
wearer's knee 10 in the manner later described, may be of the same
non-slip material as is found covering the inner surface 42 of the
body 40.
[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1 (a & b), 2 (a & b), 3 (a &
b), 4 (a & b) and 5 (a & b), the lengths of the support
straps (50L and 50M) are such to permit the distal ends (52L and
52M) of the support straps (50L and 50M) to be wrapped or looped
about the medially and laterally disposed upper arms (22L and 22M)
and lower arms (24L and 24M) of the knee brace 20 in the fashion
later described. In one embodiment, the support straps 50L to be
affixed to the laterally disposed upper arm 22L and lower arm 24L
of the knee brace 20 are shorter in distal length than those
support straps 50M that will be affixed to the medially disposed
upper arm 22M and lower arm 24M of the knee brace 20 such that less
distal elastic deformation will be experienced across the lengths
of the laterally disposed support straps 50L than that experienced
by the medially disposed support straps 50M, thereby anchoring the
buttress support member 60 along the lateral aspect of the patella
14 and knee 10 during flexion of the knee 10 in the manner later
described.
[0025] As shown in FIGS. 2 (a & b), a patch of hook fastener
material (54L and 54M) is affixed to the distal end (52L and 52M of
each support strap (50L and 50M). In one embodiment, the outer
dimensions of the patches of hook fastener material 54L affixed to
the distal ends 52L of the support straps 50L are contained within
the outer dimensions of the outer surface of the support straps 50L
and may be affixed to the outer surface of the support straps 50L
by such means as gluing, sewing or through the use of double sided
hook fastener material. In one embodiment, the patches of hook
fastener material 54M affixed to the distal ends 52M of the
medially oriented support straps 50M append distally off the distal
ends 52M and are affixed to the support straps 50M by use of
alligator tabs also of hook fastener material that adhere to both
the inner and outer surface of the support straps 50M. However, it
will be appreciated that the patches of hook fastener material 54M
may be affixed to the distal ends 52M of the support straps 50M by
any manner of acceptable means.
[0026] Because loop fastener material 56 is distributed about the
proximal surfaces of each support strap (50L and 50M) and the outer
surface of the body 40, the support straps 50 (L and M) having been
wrapped or looped about the medial and lateral upper arms (22L and
22M) and lower arms (24L and 24M) of the knee brace 20 in the
fashion later described, upon closing the looped support straps
(50L and 50M), the patch of hook fastener material (54L and 54M) of
each support strap (50L and 50M) will adhere to the loop fastener
material 56 on the top surface of each support strap (50L and 50M)
or the outer surface of the body 40, thereby securing the distal
ends (52L and 52M) of the support straps (50L and 50M) about the
upper arms (22L and 22M) and lower arms (24L and 24M) of the knee
brace 20.
[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1(a & b), 3(a & b), 4(a & b)
and 5(a & b), a self adhesive patch of hook fastener material
(58) will also be applied to each of the upper arms (22L and 22M)
and lower arms (24L and 24M) of the knee brace 20 in a desired
positions along the upper arms (22L and 22M) and lower arms (24L
and 24M) of the knee brace 20 where the support straps (50L and
50M) will be wrapped or looped about and secured to the upper arms
(22L and 22M) and lower arms (24L and 24M) of the knee brace 20 in
the manner later described so as to anchor the vertical positions
of the support straps (50L and 50M) about the upper arms (22L and
22M) and lower arms (24L and 24M) of the knee brace 20.
[0028] Operation of the tension strap 30 is described with
continuing reference to FIGS. 1(a & b), 3(a & b), 4(a &
b) and 5(a & b). Prior to application of the tension strap 30,
the knee brace 20 is first fastened to the wearer's leg 12 in a
normal fashion. As shown in FIGS. 3(a & b), 4a and 5a,
following the fastening of the knee brace 20 to the wearer's leg
12, the body 40 of the tension strap 30 is placed over the anterior
portion of the knee 10 with the inner surface 42 of the body 40 and
the guide pocket 62 in contact with the user's skin so that the
buttress support member 60 lying adjacent to the lateral edge of
the outline of the patella 14 such that the location orientation of
the buttress support member 60 applies the desired directional
support forces to the patella 14. The support straps (50L and 50M)
are then inserted between the upper arms (22L and 22M) and lower
arms (24L and 24M) of the knee brace 20 and the wearer's leg 12 and
extended to the posterior side of the upper arms (22L and 22M) and
lower arms (24L and 24M) of the knee brace 20. Self adhering
patches of hook fastener material are disposed about the upper arms
(22L and 22M) and lower arms (24L and 24M) of the knee brace 20 for
vertically anchoring the support straps (50L and 50M) at the
locations at which the distal ends (52L and 52M) of the support
straps (50L and 50M) will be looped around the upper arms (22L and
22M) and lower arms (24L and 24M) of the knee brace 20.
[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1 (a & b), and 5 (a & b), the
distal ends 52L of the support straps 50L oriented on the lateral
side of the knee 10 and the patella 14 are then pulled around the
outside of the laterally-oriented upper arm 22L and lower arm 24L
of the knee brace 20 and looped from the posterior side of the
laterally-oriented upper arm 22L and lower arm 24L of the knee
brace 20 towards the anterior side of the upper arm 22L and lower
arm 24L of the knee brace 20 such that the loop fastener material
56 disposed about the surface of the support straps 50L will adhere
to the self adhering patches of hook fastener material 58 that have
been disposed about the upper arm 22L and lower arm 24L of the knee
brace 20. The distal ends 52L of the support straps 50L oriented on
the lateral side of the knee 10 and the patella 14 are then
interfastened to their respective support straps 50L or to the body
40 by adhering the patches of hook fastener material 54L affixed on
the distal ends 52L of the support straps 50L to the loop fastener
material 56 distributed about the proximal outer surface of each
support strap 50L or the body 40. Upon doing so, the buttress
support member 60 is anchored in the desired position about the
lateral outline of the patella 14 so as to provide appropriate
directional supporting forces to ensure proper tracking of the
patella 14 during both extension and flexion of the knee 10.
[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1 (a & b), and 4 (a & b), the
distal ends 52M of the support straps 50M oriented on the medial
side of the knee 10 and patella 14 are then pulled in a medial
direction until the desired tension across the support straps (50L
and 50M) and the body 40 is achieved and such that the inner
surface 42 of the body 40 and the guide pocket 62 remain in contact
with the skin on the anterior side of the knee 10 and the patella
14. While maintaining this desired tension, the distal ends 52M of
the support straps 50M oriented on the medial side of the knee 10
and the patella 14 are then pulled around the outside of the upper
arm 22M and lower arm 24M of the knee brace 20 and looped from the
posterior side of the upper arm 22M and lower arm 24M of the knee
brace 20 towards the anterior side of the medially disposed upper
arm 22M and lower arm 24M of the knee brace 20 such that the loop
fastener material 56 disposed about the surface of the support
straps 50M will adhere to the self adhering patches of loop
fastener material 58 that have been disposed about the upper arm
22M and lower arm 24M of the knee brace 20. The distal ends 52M of
the support straps 50M oriented on the medial side of the knee 10
and the patella 14 are then interfastened to their respective
support straps 50M or the body 40, achieved in one embodiment by
adhering the patches of hook fastener material 54M affixed on the
distal ends 52M of the support straps 50M, depending on the amount
of elastic deformation of the support straps 50M caused by the
tension force applied to the support straps 50M, to the loop
fastener material 56 distributed about the proximal exposed surface
of each support strap 50M, the body 40, or, the exposed surface of
the laterally disposed support straps 50L.
[0031] It is understood that the user may manipulate the level of
directional support forces applied to the patella 14 by the tension
strap 30 through the buttress support member 60 by increasing or
decreasing the amount of tension applied when fastening the support
straps (50L and 50M) in the manner described above. Thus, the
amount of the directional forces applied to the patella 14 can be
accurately adjusted for maximum efficiency and comfort of the
wearer, and the tension strap 30 can be quickly applied without
requiring any unusual skill.
[0032] Upon attaching the tension strap 30 in this manner, one or
more appropriate directional forces are applied to the patella 14
by means of tension forces applied to the buttress support member
60. As shown in FIG. 10, one learned in the art will understand
that a plurality of desirable directional forces can be supplied to
the patella 14 by the buttress support member 60 by manipulating
the locations at which the support straps (50L and 50M) are
fastened about the upper arms (22L and 22M) and lower arms (24L and
24M) of the knee brace 20 in the manner described above.
[0033] A second embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 6 (a
& b), 7 (a & b), 8 (a & b) and 9 (a & b) with the
tension strap 30 having two primary parts: the body 40, which
engages the skin on the anterior side of the wearer's knee 10 and
patella 14; and a plurality of support straps (50L and 50M) (here
shown as four in number) extending distally from the body 40 which
engage the knee brace 20 at the distal ends (52L and 52M) of the
support straps (50L and 50M) in the manner later described. As in
the first embodiment of the invention, the body 40 is formed of a
flexible, elastic material, such as, but not limited to neoprene
with unbreakable looped backing (ULP) on the outer surface of the
body 40. The inner surface 42 of the body 40, being that surface of
the body 40 that will contact the skin on the anterior side of the
wearer's knee 10 in the manner later described, is of a non-slip
material, such as, but not limited to, exposed neoprene or
synthetic shark skin.
[0034] As in the first embodiment, the support straps (50L and 50M)
are formed of a flexible, elastic material, such as, but not
limited to, neoprene with unbreakable looped backing (ULP) on both
sides of the support straps (50L and 50M). In one embodiment, the
support straps (50L and 50M) and body 40 are affixed together by
sewing, however, one skilled in the art will understand that the
support straps (50L and 50M) and body 40 may be of unitary
construction or may be affixed together by other like means.
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 4 (a & b), 6 (a & b), 7 (a &
b), 8 (a & b) and 9 (a & b), the lengths of the support
straps (50L and 50M) are such to permit the distal ends (52L and
52M) of the support straps (50L and 50M) to be wrapped or looped
about the medially and laterally disposed upper arms (22L and 22M)
and lower arms (24L and 24M) of the knee brace 20 in the fashion
later described. A patch of hook fastener material (54L and 54M) is
affixed to the distal end (52L and 52M) of each support strap (50L
and 50M). As shown in FIGS. 7 (a & b), in one embodiment, the
outer dimensions of the patches of hook fastener material 54L
affixed to the distal ends 52L of the support straps 50L that are
laterally oriented are contained within the outer dimensions of the
outer surface of the support straps 50L and may be affixed to the
outer surface of the support straps 50L by such means as gluing,
sewing or through the use of double sided hook fastener material.
In one embodiment, the patches of hook fastener material 54M
affixed to the distal ends 52M of the medially oriented support
straps 50M append distally off the distal ends 52M of the support
straps 50M and are affixed to the support straps 50M by use of
alligator tabs also of hook fastener material that adhere to both
the inner and outer surface of the support straps 50M. However, it
will be appreciated that the patches of hook fastener material 50M
may be affixed to the distal ends 52M of the support straps 50M by
any manner of acceptable means.
[0036] As shown in FIGS. 6 (a & b), 8b and 9b, because loop
fastener material 56 is distributed about the proximal surfaces of
each support strap (50L and 50M) and the outer surface of the body
40, the support straps (50L and 50M) having been wrapped or looped
about the medial and lateral upper arms (22L and 22M) and lower
arms (24L and 24M) of the knee brace 20 in the fashion later
described, upon closing the looped support straps (50L and 50M),
the patch of hook fastener material (54L and 54M) of each support
strap (50L and 50M) will adhere to the loop fastener material 56 of
each support strap (50L and 50M) or the outer surface of the body
40, thereby securing the distal ends (50L and 50M) of the support
straps (50L and 50M) about the upper arms (22L and 22M) and lower
arms (24L and 24M) of the knee brace 20.
[0037] As shown in FIGS. 4 (a & b), 6 (a & b), 8 (a &
b) and 9 (a & b), a self adhesive patch of hook fastener
material (58) will also be applied to each of the upper arms (22L
and 22M) and lower arms (24L and 24M) of the knee brace 20 in the
desired positions along the upper arms (22L and 22M) and lower arms
(24L and 24M) of the knee brace 20 where the support straps (50L
and 50M) will be wrapped or looped about and secured to the upper
arms (22L and 22M) and lower arms (24L and 24M) of the knee brace
20 so as to anchor the vertical positions of the support straps
(50L and 50M) about the upper arms (22L and 22M) and lower arms
(24L and 24M) of the knee brace 20.
[0038] Operation of the tension strap 30 is described with
continuing reference to FIGS. 4 (a & b), 6 (a & b), 8 (a
& b) and 9 (a & b). Prior to application of the tension
strap 30, the knee brace 20 is first fastened to the wearer's leg
12 in a normal fashion. As shown in FIGS. 4a, 8 (a & b) and 9a,
following the fastening of the knee brace 20 to the wearer's leg
12, the body 40 of the tension strap 30 is placed over the anterior
portion of the knee 10 with the inner surface 42 of the body 40 in
contact with the skin on the anterior side of the wearer's knee 10
and patella 14. The support straps (50L and 50M) are then inserted
between the upper arms (22L and 22M) and lower arms (24L and 24M)
of the knee brace 20 and the wearer's leg 12 and extended to the
posterior side of the upper arms (22L and 22M) and lower arms (24L
and 24M) of the knee brace 20. Self adhering patches of hook
fastener material 58 are disposed about the upper arms (22L and
22M) and lower arms (24L and 24M) of the knee brace 20 for
vertically anchoring the support straps (50L and 50M) at the
locations at which the distal ends (52L and 52M) of the support
straps (50L and 50M) will be looped around the upper arms (22L and
22M) and lower arms (24L and 24M) of the knee brace 20.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 6 (a & b) and 9 (a & b), the
distal ends 52L of the support straps 50L oriented on the lateral
side of the knee 10 and the patella 14 are then pulled around the
outside of the laterally-oriented upper arm 22L and lower arm 24L
of the knee brace 20 and looped from the posterior side of the
laterally-oriented upper arm 22L and lower arm 24L of the knee
brace 20 towards the anterior side of the laterally-oriented upper
arm 22L and lower arm 24L of the knee brace 20 such that the loop
fastener material 56 disposed about the surface of the support
straps 50L will adhere to the self adhering patches of hook
fastener material 58 that have been disposed about the upper arm
22L and lower arm 24L of the knee brace 20. The distal ends 52L of
the laterally-oriented support straps 50L are then interfastened to
their respective support straps 50L or the body 40 by adhering the
patches of hook fastener material 54L affixed on the distal ends
52L of the support straps 50L to the loop fastener material 56
distributed about the proximal outer surface of each support strap
52L or the body 40.
[0040] As shown in FIGS. 4 (a & b) and 6 (a & b), the
distal ends 52M of the support straps 50M oriented on the medial
side of the knee 10 and patella 14 are then pulled in a medial
direction until the desired tension across the support straps (50L
and 50M) and the body 40 is achieved and such that the inner
surface 42 of the body 40 is in contact with the skin on the
anterior side of the knee 10 and the patella 14. While maintaining
this desired tension, the distal ends 52M of the support straps 50M
oriented on the medial side of the knee 10 and the patella 14 are
then pulled around the outside of the medially-oriented upper arm
22M and lower arm 24M of the knee brace 20 and looped from the
posterior side of the medially-oriented upper arm 22M and lower arm
24M of the knee brace 20 towards the anterior side of the
medially-oriented upper arm 22M and lower arm 24M of the knee brace
20 such that the loop fastener material 56 disposed about the
surface of the support straps 50M will adhere to the self adhering
patches of hook fastener material 58 that have been disposed about
the upper arm 22M and lower 24M of the knee brace 20. The distal
ends 52M of the medially-oriented support straps 50M are then
interfastened to their respective support straps 50M or the body
40, achieved in one embodiment by adhering the patches of hook
fastener material 54M affixed on the distal ends 52M of the
medially-oriented support straps 50M, depending upon the amount of
elastic deformation of the support straps 50M caused by the tension
force applied to the support straps 50M, to the loop fastener
material 56 distributed about the proximal exposed surface of their
respective support straps 50M, the body 40, or the exposed surface
of the laterally disposed support straps 50L.
[0041] In both described embodiments of the present disclosure,
through fastening the support straps (50L and 50M) of the tension
strap 30 about the upper arms (22L and 22M) and lower arms (24L and
24M) of the knee brace 20 in the manner provided, each of the pair
of polycentric hinge assemblies (26L and 26M) will be pulled
inwardly towards each other about the joint of the knee 10 so as to
provide resistance to vertical migration of the knee brace 20 about
the wearer's knee 10. Furthermore, because the non-slip inner
surface 42 of the body 40 (and the guide pocket 62 in the first
embodiment) will be in continuous engagement with the skin of the
wearer of the knee brace 20, further resistance to vertical
migration of the knee brace 20 is provided during flexion and
extension of the knee 10 while wearing the knee brace 20.
[0042] The construction of the tension strap 30 also reduces the
need for large inventories in that only one size of tension strap
30 is required to fit the usual range of knee 10 and knee brace 20
dimensions. Further, while a knee brace 20 is typically constructed
to fit either the right or the left leg 10, but not both, the
construction of the tension strap 30 is universal such that it can
be used with a knee brace 20 designed to fit either the left or
right leg 10.
[0043] It is appreciated that various modifications to the
inventive concepts may be apparent to those skilled in the art
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
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